Yes, oil prices started a precipitous drop in August of 2014 when it was $100 per barrel, eventually bottoming at $32 per barrel in February of 2016. Sales tax collections began a 25 month contraction period in March of 2015, with an average month-over-month decrease of -4.1% over the period. The contraction turned the corner to positive in April of 2017, however, realizing an average month-over-month increase in recent months of +5.6%.

We have been very fortunate to have had excellent elected officials and professional City staff over a long timeframe who have governed conservatively and judiciously. The result is a Ponca City that has invested wisely in utility infrastructure as well as maintaining “Rainy Day” funds to absorb the shocks resulting from economic twists and turns that naturally occur.

For every taxable dollar you spend in Ponca City, you pay an additional 8.667 cents in sales tax or $8.667 for every $100 spent. This amount includes the State portion of four and a half cents, the County portion of 0.667 of a cent for the jail facility, and the City portion of three and a half cents. Of the City’s portion, two cents goes to the general operations of the City, half a cent goes to street improvements, and half a cent funds Debt Service for construction of the Ponca City Aquatic and Family Center – YMCA.